The present study confirms that it is possible to use readily available and easily analyzed data from the Mental Health Deomgraphic Profile (MHDE) to predict the demographic characteristics of persons seeking treatment in a community mental health center (CMHC). The procedure suggested is accessible to all federally funded CMHC's and does not require the use of the computer. In this procedure, 25 variables are selected from the MHDP and grouped into seven indicators of social class, ethnicity, family life style, residential life style, economic, education, and special needs. These indicators are then analyzed according to geographic areas to relate the actual utilization of services to the predicted need. An adequate patient recordkeeping system is needed, however, if population characteristics are to be compared to those of the persons served. Demographic data is seen as useful for service evaluation and planning. Tables, figures, and references are also presented to support the use of demographic data for the assessment of CMHC's. (Author/HLM)